‘Need CCTV cameras at all junctions’

I feel quite happy as there has been a substantial decline in crime in Delhi. We have cracked almost all big cases in a time-bound manner. Look at the way we solved the attack on MLA Bharat Singh — all eight accused were arrested and six weapons recovered in 48 hours. Biker gangs are non-existent today,we have dealt firmly with them. Whether it was Ranjit-Neeraj gang of Outer Delhi,Rostam-Sohrab gang or the Mewati gang from Jhajjhar — police dealt with them firmly. I have focussed on Northeast or Outer (Delhi),which we consider “high crime areas”. Overall,crime has been dealt with in a very professional manner.

Secondly,the Crime Branch and Special Cell were almost defunct (when I took over). Revival of these two units was my focus. Whether it was the busting of the Indian Mujahideen module or the attack on the Israeli diplomat,all of these were worked out within a month. Crime Branch and Special Cell are fully active now.

Thirdly,I feel law and order was handled extremely well under my tenure. There were no communal riots in the city despite so many incidents such as the Noor Masjid demolition or the Karbala incident.

Police have shown extreme restraint. The Anna Hazare agitation and the Bharat bandh are cases in point; there was no police firing or lathi-charge.

As far as traffic is concerned,Satyendra Garg,Joint CP (Traffic),has done very well. Traffic police have been very successful in taking strict action against drink driving. This is the third consecutive year when fatal accidents have gone down despite the number of vehicles going up.

Lastly,we have tried to revive the beat system. I am constantly motivating junior constables and interacting with them.

What is your biggest achievement?

Though there have been many cases,I consider the rescue of a one-and-a-half-year-old child in April 2011 to be the most gratifying. The family was sitting in my house when the DCP broke the news that the child had been rescued. To see a smile on their faces gave me utmost happiness. I felt then that police can really bring a smile to people’s faces. Of course,there were cases,such as the Shobhit Modi murder case,that weren’t solved. But it’s not like the case is closed. Sometimes,you need that one (elusive) thread to solve the case. Our hallmark has been solving cases in a time-bound manner.

What were your initiatives as the police commissioner? Were they successfully implemented?

Motivating our people is most important. Imagine,a constable watching a movie with the commissioner. We did this during a special screening of Rowdy Rathore. Only constables,women officials and traffic police were invited for the screening along with their families.

Just this morning,I met around 70-80 constables. Once you motivate them,it has a great impact on the force.

What initiatives did not take off?

The Integrated Traffic System (ITS) did not take off. This is my biggest regret. I would want my successor to take it up. Any police commissioner should take this up rigorously. ITS and state city surveillance are very important. Unfortunately,the bidders were not up to the mark then. Hence,it got delayed. We need to install CCTV cameras at all junctions and need one command and control room for traffic and another one for monitoring CCTV footage,like in London and New York. The Home Ministry is aware that this is our requirement.

From DCP to police chief — how has the journey been?

I am the only police commissioner who has both field and security experiences. But my most satisfying tenure was as Director-General Tihar. My experience there has helped me during my tenure as the police chief.

You took over amid the furore over the Dhaula Kuan gangrape. What measures did you take in this regard immediately after?

We had issued directions to the BPOs and implemented Section of 144 CrPC. All BPOs were told to maintain a database of their employees and security personnel. They were asked to ensure that women employees do not travel alone with the cab driver at night and that a duly verified security guard is deployed in each such cab.

We have a zero tolerance policy as far as crime against women is concerned.

We have set up two police stations in South Campus and North Campus and in fact we felt the name ‘Dhaula Kuan’ itself was jinxed for the police station. So,we decided to relocate it and rename it South Campus police station.

We ensured that beat constables in the areas — where students from the Northeastern states stay — are sensitised to establish close interaction with community leaders.

How safe are women in the city now?

I think women in Delhi are very safe. In fact,if you see the number of rape cases,accused in 98 per cent of the incidents are known to the victim. Certain precautions have to be taken and every citizen should take it.

When you joined as Commissioner of Police,you had talked of ‘corporate-style functioning’,where officers’ performances are assessed every month. You think it has helped?

Of course this helped. It encourages them and the monthly appraisals remind them of their performances; how well they have done and where they should improve.

How many personnel are assigned to VVIP security? Do you think it takes a toll on the force?

We have 7,000 personnel dedicated to VVIP security. It isn’t really a burden.

There is talk of de-linking the traffic police from the Delhi Police. What do you think?

No. I am not for this. The traffic police should be under the Delhi Police … because many times,traffic police have to work in tandem with the Delhi Police.

If given a chance,would you handle action against the Ramdev sit-in at Ramlila Maidan last year any differently?

The Supreme Court has taken its decision. The matter is sub judice. I will not comment on the matter.